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All the United States Minnesota Minneapolis Thomas Sadler Roberts Bird Sanctuary
AO Edited

Thomas Sadler Roberts Bird Sanctuary

A hidden oasis in the heart of Minneapolis is also an Important Bird Area.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Added By
Rebecca Froehlich
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Birds of prey are a frequent sanctuary visitor.   RFrolicArts / Atlas Obscura User
Pileated woodpeckers make their home at the sanctuary year round.   RFrolicArts / Atlas Obscura User
  RFrolicArts / Atlas Obscura User
A male Northern Cardinal.   RFrolicArts / Atlas Obscura User
Downy woodpeckers live in the sanctuary year-round.   RFrolicArts / Atlas Obscura User
A red bellied-woodpecker   RFrolicArts / Atlas Obscura User
  RFrolicArts / Atlas Obscura User
  RFrolicArts / Atlas Obscura User
  RFrolicArts / Atlas Obscura User
A park visitor in October 2020.   RFrolicArts / Atlas Obscura User
  RFrolicArts / Atlas Obscura User
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When Thomas Sadler Roberts retired from his career as a doctor, he remained hard at work in the field of ornithology. Roberts became a professor in the discipline at the University of Minnesota. He also helped establish the Bell Museum of Natural History. 

Ten years before Roberts's death, this vital stretch of 31 acres was designated as a wildlife refuge by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. The area was a favorite of Christian Bossen, the park board's first superintendent after the famous Theodore Wirth retired. Bossen's ashes were scattered in an area of the sanctuary now known as the Bossen Lane trail. 

This sanctuary, tucked between Lakewood Cemetery and the Lake Harriet Bandstand, draws many returning songbirds during the spring season. Wild animals, including birds of prey, white-tailed deer, raccoons, foxes, and other woodland creatures can be found drinking from Cemetery Creek, a small creek that connects Lakewood Cemetery to nearby Bde Maka Ska. 

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Birds Sanctuaries Nature Animals

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Free parking is one block away along Lake Harriet Parkway. A visit to Lyndale Park Peace Garden nearby is also worth the trip. 

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RFrolicArts

Published

February 26, 2021

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  • https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks__destinations/parks__lakes/gardens__bird_sanctuaries/roberts_bird_sanctuary/
  • https://www.exploreminnesota.com/profile/ts-roberts-bird-sanctuary/2966
Thomas Sadler Roberts Bird Sanctuary
4124 Roseway Rd
Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55409
United States
44.929009, -93.302732
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